Modelling and manufacturing of a dragonfly wing as basis for bionic research

Abstract

Working principles in nature have been optimised by evolution for millions of years. Today we try to understand how these principles work and how they could be used in technical applications. Prominent examples for solutions which are inspired by bionic research are the Velcro fastener (inspired by the plant 'Arcticum lappa') [Pahl et al., 2003], swim suits (inspired by shark skin) [Thilmany, 2004] and self-cleaning surfaces using the lotus effect [von Baeyer, 2000]. The topic of aerodynamics is another large area for research and innovation in which we still hope to be able to learn from nature. The dragonfly combines very light wing structures with amazing flying abilities [Okamoto, 1996]. In order to study the exact properties of the dragonfly wing and to understand how this properties can be achieved, it is necessary to reproduce the geometry of the wing at a larger scale. This large scale model can be used to conduct further aerodynamic tests in a wind tunnel. The results of such investigations can lead to new impulses for the development of aircraft and micro air vehicles. In this paper the authors will describe the modelling and building of an enlarged model of a dragonfly wing as base for further bionic research.